Propellant driven fan



Nov. 23, 1965 J. E. LAMKIN 3,219,260

PROPELLANT DRIVEN FAN Original Filed Jan. 18, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet l TLEL INVENTOR 4/4 M525 5'. AAMK/A/ F 702? Van WM Nov. 23, 1965 J. E. LAMKIN Original Filed Jan. 18, 1962 PROPELLANT DRIVEN FAN TiEZ 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 49 lfa.

I VEN'TOR. (MM- AAA/W7 ATTOPA/E-Y ZZZ/cm ZVZnZL Nov. 23, 1965 J. E. LAMKIN 3,219,260

PROPELLANT DRIVEN FAN Original Filed Jan. 18, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR: L/AME'S E LAMK/M P0705 Vm M ATTORNEY Nov. 23, 1965 J. E. LAMKIN 3,219,260

PROPELLANT DRIVEN FAN Original Filed Jan. 18, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 lET-YA VENTOR. L/A ME-S LAMK/N VML United States Patent 3,219,260 PROIELLANT DRIVEN FAN James Lamkin, Tulsa, 01:121., assignor of fifteen percent to Marion E. Lamkin, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Griginal application Jan. 18, 1962, Ser. No. 167,070, now

Patent No. 3,149,462, dated Sept. 22, 1964. Divided and this application May 27, 1964, Ser. No. 386,469

4 Ciairns. (Cl. 230116) This is a division of application, Serial No. 167,070, filed January 18, 1962, now Patent No. 3,149,462.

Thi invention relates generally to propellant driven fans useful in confined areas where an artificial means is required to circulate the air. More specifically, it relates to a fan which is turbine driven wherein the turbine derives its power from gases generated by an explosive or propellant-type charge. It further relates to a breech mechanism for easily, safely, and conveniently loading, igniting, and unloading the propelling charge.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is particularly useful in bomb or fall-out shelters. Many types of fans have been constructed for use in shelters and some are relatively satisfactory. Most of them are satisfactory for simply circulating the air in a shelter, but the problem arises in attempting to provide a satisfactory energy source. Under the conditions in which shelters will be used, a source of power for driving the fans will be very important and very difficult to obtain 7 with any degree of certainty.

Some fans are driven by alternating current electricity through a motor. An alternating current electrical power source is vulnerable and probably will not be operating. Some electrically fans use direct current from storage batteries. Besides the great expense involved, the batteries must either be replaced or recharged. Additionally, some rechargeable batteries emit hydrogen, a very dangerous gas, particularly in confined quarters.

Some fans are driven by gasoline-type engines. This type of drive is unsatisfactory because of several reasons; for example: exhaust gases escaping (particularly carbon monoxide), difiiculty in starting, high initial cost, and difficult maintenance problems when the shelter and engine are infrequently used.

Other fans proposed are driven by hand. \Vhile this is a dependable source of power, it is a very burdensome task. This is particularly true if the shelter must be occupied for an extended period.

The object of this invention is to provide an improved fan that is relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, and derives its power from a readily available and dependable power source.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved fan assembly that will completely discharge to the outside of the shelter the gases given off during firing of the propellant charge.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved breech mechanism that includes an integral firing mechanism for loading, firing and unloading the propellant charge safely and easily.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved fan assembly that is driven by a turbine which derives its power from a propellant charge.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved fan assembly that is driven by an integrally mounted turbine, driven by the gases generated by a propellant charge which is fired in a chamber and by a firing mechanism integral with said fan.

One form of an apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention includes a fan mounted for rotational movement on a shaft, a turbine rotor mounted on the shaft adapted to drive the fan, a combustion chamber,

a plurality of nozzles arranged whereby gas from the firing chamber drives the turbine rotor, an exhaust blower for discharging gas from the turbine, and a breech mechanism arranged and constructed whereby a propellant charge located in the firing chamber may be fired.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the following description is read in conjunction with the drawing wherein like reference characters denote like parts in all views and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view, partly cut away showing the fan and housing.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the breech mechanism rotated from FIGURE 1 to show the shell extractor.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged plan view, partly in crosssection, illustrating the arrangement of the nozzles, and the turbine and exhaust blower blades.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged elevation view of the breech mechanism as seen from the chamber end.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view of the face chamber.

FIGURE 7 is a greatly enlarged view, partly in cross section, of the face of the breech head, extractor, and a portion of the firing pin shown in the cocked position.

FIGURE 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view similar to FIGURE 7, except showing the breech head rotated about the firing pin and showing the firing pin in the fired position.

FIGURE 8C is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 8D is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of FIGURE 8.

For the purpose of clarity of description, an apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention may be divided into three major units. The first major unit includes the turbine and fan. The second includes the combustion chamber. The third includes the breech and firing mechanism.

The specific construction of the turbine and fan unit may be more easily understood if reference is made to FIGURES 2 and 4 as the following description proceeds. A fan 38 is mounted on a rotatable shaft 41 which extends axially through the fan 38. The fan 38 is fixed to the shaft 41 by means of splines 42 or by any suitable means whereby the fan 38 and shaft 41 rotate together. Shaft 41 is journalled in combination thrust and axial load bearings 31 and 39. Bearing 39 is mounted in a member 30 which, in addition to supporting bearing 39, also divides the turbine system from the fan system. If exhaust gases were to be used to drive the turbine, a gas-tight seal (not shown) would be mounted about the shaft 41 in member 30 to prevent contamination of the air.

Fan housing 34, which is most easily constructed by casting, is attached to member 30 by a plurality of rivets or screws 35. The housing 34 is so constructed that it encloses fan 38 leaving only the inlet opening 43 through which air is drawn into the fan 38. As may be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the housing 34 extends past the outer periphery of fan 38 providing an involute-like discharge. It is this involute form that causes the discharge passage 36 to vary in size as illustrated at numerals 34 and 34a.

The fan is provided with a plurality of blade-like members 37, one form of which may be seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. The fan blades may take the form as used in of the conventional air circulation fan or they may be of the squirrel-cage type, or of any suitable form for moving The turbine system includes an'exhaust blower 26 which is axially and rotatably mounted on the shaft 41. Freedom of rotation independent of the shaft 41 is assured by bearing member 40. The blower 26 is provided with a plurality of blades 25. One desirable configuration of the blades may be seen in FIGURES 1 and 4.

A turbine rotor 19 having two concentric rows of buckets or blades 20 and 22 is splined or otherwise fixed at 40 to the shaft 41. The arrangement of the blades 20 and 22 on rotor 19 is illustrated in FIGURE 4. The turbine rotor 19 is also provided near its outer periphery with an intertia member 23. The inertia member 23 may be formed as a continuous ring or by a series of blocks attached to the rotor 19.

The stator portion of the turbine system is provided by a row of blades 21 arranged concentrically with the rotor blades 20 and 21. The stator blades 21 may either be integral with or mounted on a turbine housing 29 and are formed as shown in FIG. 4.

The turbine housing 29 covers substantially all of the turbine system. It is attached to member 30 by a plurality of rivets, screws, or bolts 35, as was the fan housing 34. An opening near the central portion of the turbine housing 29 provides for the mounting of a nozzle member 17.

Nozzle member 17, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, serves several purposes. It may provide a race for bearing 31. It serves as a portion of a combustion chamber 59. It also, primarily, contains the nozzles 16 and 16a, The nozzles 16 and 16a are formed as shown in FIGURE 4 so that the gases passing therethrough from the combustion chamber 59 are directed properly against the rotor blades 20.

The second major unit includes the combustion chamber 59. The chamber 59 is welded, threaded, or otherwise secured to the nozzle member 17 or 14. Chamber 59 includes a firing chamber 10 and an annular expansion chamber 13. The expansion chamber 13 surrounds at least a portion of the firing chamber 10 and is in communication therewith through gas ports 11.

That end of the combustion chamber 59 away from the nozzle member 17 has a reduced outside diameter. Breech locking cams 4 and 4a are arranged on the reduced diameter as shown in FIGURES 1 and 6. Shown in FIGURE 3 and in FIGURE 6 is a recess 54a which is provided to permit and to aid in the operation of shell extractor 49. Mating surfaces, illustrated by the numerals 12 and 12a, are provided on the face of chamber 59 and on breech block 65 so that a gas-tight seal is formed therebetween. Mounted on the lower surface of chamber 59 is a breech support member 70.

To more clearly understand the operation and construction of the breech mechanism, it is advantageous to refer to FIGURES 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8C and 8D.

The breech mechanism includes an operating handle 1, a breech head 62, a breech block 65, a breech pivoting and disengaging mechanism 6, and a firing pin mechanism.

The operating handle 1 is rigidly attached to the breech head 62. As shown in FIGURE 1, the handle is L shaped to provide for the rotational and longitudinal movement of the breech head 62 required to operate the breech mechanism. Cam 3 is located on handle 1 and serves to stop the counterclockwise rotation of the handle when the locking cams 4 and 4a are in a position to be disengaged from the breech head 62.

The breech pivoting and disengaging mechanism 6 includes a vertical member pivotally attached to breech head 62 at 7. The pivot 7 permits rotation of the handle 1 and head 62 independent of the disengaging mechanism 6.

A longitudinal member 62 slidable and rotatable on stud 18 permits the movement of the breech mechanism away from the chamber 59 and then allows it to be rotated as shown in FIGURE 5 so that access may be had to the firing chamber 10. Also, mounted on member 6a is a lug 8, which extends outwardly therefrom, so that it stops the rotational movement of the handle 1, block 65 and head 62 about the stud 18 after they have been pulled longitudinally away from chamber 59.

Breech block 65 is retained in breech head 62 by means of the split locking ring 5 which is shown positioned in groove 5a in breech head 62.

As shown in FIGURE 5, the face of the block 65 is provided with two projecting lugs 55 and 55a which, when the block 65 engages the face of the chamber 59, enter mating recesses provided therein and prevent further rotation of the block 65 with respect to chamber 59. Block 65 is formed with an annular space 71 whereby a small movement is permitted between block 65 and lock ring 5. This space is required to permit actuation of the shell extractor 49 which extends through the block 65 and to permit cocking of the firing pin 9a. Firing pin 9a which is partially mounted in head 62 extends through a passageway 9b provided in the breech block 65.

Shown in detail in FIGURES 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B is the cam surface 72 and stop lug 74 which extend from the breeck block 65 into the breech head 62 to actuate the firing pin 9a.

Breech head 62 includes the firing pin 9a, the firing pin spring.9, firing pin recess 90, the shell extractor 49, and the extractor groove which extends from 60 to 61. A boss 66 and cam 67 extend down into firing pin recess 9c. As previously described, the breech head 62 is pivoted at 7 so that it can be rotated at least to some extent with respect to the chamber 59.

The breech head 62 is engaged with the chamber 59 by means of locking cams 4 and 4a and corresponding grooves provided in the breech head 62. The grooves and locking cams are a simplified version of the Welin interrrupted-screw-mechanism used particularly. on naval guns. They do differ in one respect, however, and that is that the locking cams 4 and 4a are so constructed that once the gas seal is attained breech head 62 may be rotated an additional amount sufiicient to actuate the firing pin mechanism as described hereinafter.

The sheel extractor 49 has an enlarged head portion 82 which rides in the extractor recess that extends from 60 to 61. It also has a shank portion 50 which extends through a passageway 54 in block 65 and terminates in a hook-like end suitably formed to latch onto the rim of the propellant charge. A lip portion 83 in the extractor recess is provided to lock the extractor 49 in a position engaging, the rim of a shell.

Operation To begin the operation of the apparatus, assume that the breech mechanism is disengaged, the breech is open and the firing pin 9a is cocked. A shotgun shell or other suitable gas-generating explosive-type charge is placed in chamber 10. The handle 1 is rotated clockwise about stud 18 until lug 8 contacts support member 70. The breech mechanism is then moved longitudinally along stud 18 until the breech head 62 is in a position to engage locking cams 4 and 4a. Projecting lugs 55 and 55a enter the mating recesses provided in the face of the chamber 59.

The hook-like end of the shell extractor 49 strikes the edge of the shell and is forced down until the'rim of the shell passes the end of the hook. It is then forced up and into engagement with the rim of the shell'by the end of the extractor acting against the surface of the groove 54a.

4a forming gas-tight seals at 15 between the block 65 and head 62 and also at 12 between the block 65 and the chamber 59. Additional clockwise rotation of the breech head 62 moves the cam 67 (see FIGURES 7, 7A and 7B) under the firing pin tang 64a lifting the firing pin 9a. The opposite firing pin tang 64 is also lifted out of the recess 73. When the cam 67 has almost passed the firing pin tang 64, it slides off the beveled surface of the cam 67. Once the firing pin 9a starts off the cam 67, it is driven rapidly by the energy stored in the spring 9, strik ing and firing the shell which is locked in the chamber 10. The relative positions of the various parts are il lustrated in FIGURES 8, 8A and 8B in the fired position.

The gases generated by the exploding shell pass from the firing chamber 10 through the gas ports 11 into the expansion chamber 13. The gas is confined under pressure in the chamber 13 until such time as it is metered out through the nozzle 16 into the turbine housing 29.

Due to the inertia of the turbine rotor 19 it picks up speed relatively slowly, but the exhaust blower 26 which has little inertia picks up speed rapidly. This is an important feature of the invention because the device is intended for use in the confined quarters of a bomb or fall-out-type shelter. The rapidly spinning blower 26 carries off the toxic or at least annoying fumes from the exploding shell through the turbine discharge 46 to the outside of the shelter.

The gas passing through the nozzle 16 strikes first the row of rotor blades 20, then the oppositely directed row of stator blades 21, and then the last row of rotor blades 22 which are arranged in a direction opposite the stator blades 21 causing the turbine rotor 19 to rotate. The reaction of the turbine blades to the changing directions of the gas mass is well understood by those skilled in the art and merits little further discussion.

In a matter of seconds, the rotor 19 is spinning at full speed commensurate with the energy available from the exploding charge. The gas generated will be expelled very rapidly. In an effort to maintain the rotor 19 spinning as long as possible, the inertia member 23 has been provided on or near the periphery of the turbine rotor 19. While the gas will be expended in probably one to three minutes, the rotor 19, due to the inertia mass 23, will spin for forty-five minutes to possibly one hour. The exact period of time will depend on the various factors involved, for example: size of charge, size of inertia mass, efliciency of the turbine, and size of fan driven.

As pointed out earlier, the turbine rotor 19 is fixed to shaft 41 which has the fan 38 fixed to the opposite end. The fan 38 is driven at the speed of the turbine rotor 19. Inlet 43 of the fan would be exposed to the atmosphere while the discharge 45 would be directed to the inside of the shelter. Air taken in the inlet 43 from the shelter ventilation system is driven outwardly as shown by arrow 47 of FIGURE 2 into the involute housing 36 and then forced into the discharge outlet 45 in the direction shown by arrow 48.

After the shell has been fired, unloading and cocking of the firing pin 9a is accomplished by rotating the handle 1 in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 7. The initial movement loosens the breech head 62 on the locking cams 4 and 4a. Additional movement about pivot 7 begins the act of cocking the firing pin 9a.

Referring to FIGURES 8C and 8D, although the exact position is not shown therein, the cam 67 moves in a counterclockwise direction with handle 1 forcing the firing pin tang 64a with it. As the firing pin 9a pivots, the tang 64 rides upwardly along the cam surface 72 until it drops into recess 73 as shown in FIGURE 7A. The rise of the tang 64 on surface 72 also carries tang 64a upwardly until it has risen sufiiciently for the cam 67 to pass underneath, thus returning the firing pin 9a to the relative position shown in FIGURES 7, 7A and 7B.

Unloading of the firing chamber 10 is accomplished by continuing the counterclockwise rotation of the handle 1 about pivot 7 until cam 3 strikes the support member 70 in which position the head 62 is ready to be disengaged from locking cams 4 and 4a. A longitudinal movement of the breech mechanism along stud 18 completely disengages the breech mechanism from the chamber 59. To gain access to firing chamber 10, all that need be done is to rotate the handle 1 and breech mechanism counterclockwise about stud 18.

The longitudinal movement of the breech mechanism along stud 18 also pulls the expended shell from firing chamber 10. This occurs because the hook portion of the extractor 49 is latched over the rim of the shell and is locked in that position due to the engagement of the extractor head 82 with the lip 83 as the block 65 moves against lock ring 5.

The expended shell may then be removed and a new charge placed in the firing chamber 10. The firing of additional shells or charges is accomplished by repeating the operations described hereinbefore.

From the foregoing, it should be evident that any number of shells or charges may be fired in sequence. It is of course necessary to allow sufficient time for the gas to clear the chamber 59. The sequential firing of the charge permits the fan to be operated for extended periods of time.

It should also be pointed out that a manual operation of the fan can be accomplished by attaching a simple gear train and hand crank (not shown) to the end of shaft 41 which extends through the fan 38. This is rather easily done and a method for attaining this feature should be apparent to anyone skilled in the mechanical ars.

It is believed clear that this invention presents a new, improved, and novel fan system for use in any confined area as well as in bomb and fall-out shelters. It is also believed clear that a new and improved breech mechanism is presented which adds to the practicality and usefulness of the fan system.

It should be apparent that the foregoing represents but a specific example of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention and that variations may be mde thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the annexed claims.

What I claim is:

1. A propellant driven fan for use with a gas generating charge including l) a shaft support member,

(2) a shaft rotatably mounted therein,

(3) a fan fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith,

(4) turbine means for rotating said shaft,

(5 a chamber member adapted to receive said charge fixed to said turbine means,

(a) said chamber member having a plurality of nozzles in one end portion thereof arranged whereby gas generated by said charge is directed into said turbine means,

(6) a breech mechanism pivotally and rotatably mounted on said chamber member and engageable therewith,

(a) said breech mechanism being adapted upon rotation and engagement with said chamber member to strike said charge thereby causing ignition of the charge.

2. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said turbine means includes (1) a stator member, and

(2) a rotor member fixed to said shaft operably associated with said stator member.

3. The invention as claimed in claim 2 wherein (1) said stator member includes plurality of concave blade members arranged concentrically about said shaft, and wherein (2) said rotor member includes a plurality of concave blade members arranged concentrically about said shaft and adapted to co-operate with said stator blade members when gas from said charge is directed thereon to cause a rotation of said rotor, shaft, and fan.

4. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein said breech mechanism includes (1) a firing pin member,

(2) a breech head member rotatable and engageable with said firing pin member and said chamber member,

(3) a spring member operably associated with said firing pin member and said breech head member, (4) a breech member movably located in said breech head member,

(a) said breech block member adapted for engagement with said chamber member and said firing pin member and co-operable with said breech head member whereby relative rotation and retains said firing pin member in a position compressing said spring member and whereby relative rotation therebetween in the opposite direction releases said firing pin member permitting said firing pin member to move to a position wherein said spring member is not compressed.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,985,104 5/1961 FOX 10239 LAURENCE V. EFNER, Primary Examiner.

therebetween moves said firing pin member to 15 ROBERT WALKER, Examiner- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 3 219 ,260 November 23 1965 James E: Lamkin ified that error appears in the above numbered pat- It is hereby cert I said Letters Patent should read as ent requiring correction and that the corrected below.

Column 7, line 9, after "breech", first occurrence, insert block Signed and sealed this 20th day of September 1966.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER Attesting Officer EDWARD J. BRENNER Commissioner of Patents 

1. A PROPELLANT DRIVEN FAN FOR USE WITH A GAS GENERATING CHARGE INCLUDING (1) A SHAFT SUPPORT MEMBER, (2) A SHAFT ROTATABLY MOUNTED THEREIN, (3) A FAN FIXED TO SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION THEREWITH, (4) TURBINE MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT, (5) A CHAMBER MEMBER ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID CHARGE FIXED TO SAID TURBINE MEANS, (A) SAID CHAMBER MEMBER HAVING A PLURALITY OF NOZZLES IN ONE END PORTION THEREOF ARRANGED WHEREBY GAS GENERATED BY SAID CHARGE IS DIRECTED INTO SAID TURBINE MEANS, (6) A BREECH MECHANISM PIVOTALLY AND ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID CHAMBER MEMBER AND ENGAGEABLE THEREWITH, (A) SAID BREECH MECHANISM BEING ADAPTED UPON ROTATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CHAMBER MEMBER TO STRIKE SAID CHARGE THEREBY CAUSING IGNITION OF THE CHARGE. 